My Dog Jack

by Mary Ellen
(Wheeling, WV)

My dog Jack passed on recently as a result of cancer. He lived only one week and a half after my veterinarian diagnosed the cancer. During that week and a half, I did practically nothing but care for Jack. He had always been a bit of a handful - but after nearly 10 years, we had worked out our issues, and were closer than ever. I am so thankful that I had that small amount of time to tend to him and to constantly tell him what a good boy he is and how much I love him. I use the present tense to describe him and my love for him, because I believe that Jack still exists in some way, and that my love for him is as real today as it was when he was lying here beside me.

On the morning of his death, I took Jack for a short walk through a wooded area - his favorite spot. He did his best to be brave and seemed to enjoy the little outing. I knew it would be his last, as his nights had become restless, and he was suffering. The Dr. put an end to his suffering that afternoon with our whole family surrounding Jack in our home. It was as beautiful an ending as it could be. He just went to sleep with his loving family with him.

She first gave him a sedative, after he had been going from person to person, getting treats and love. As the sedative started to take effect, he walked over and stood in front of me and in his eyes, he seemed to be saying that it was time for me to come with him, and walked over to our breezeway and laid down. I held him and kept telling him what a good dog he is. And he was gone.

Two days later, I returned to the spot in the woods where we had walked that morning of his death. It was very difficult for me to return there, with my other dog, Penny. As I turned to start back home, there was a robin with a completely snow white head and neck about 8 feet from me. I just stood and stared. I am 56 years old, and have never seen such a bird. Since that day, I have asked many people if they have seen a robin with a snow white head and they have not. I go back to that spot often, as robins usually stay in the same area...but have never seen it again. I believe it was a sign from my beloved Jack.

As I sat down to write this memorial, the song "Black Bird" began to play on my computer's music station.

I love you Jack, and I always will.